A WOMAN from Ferndown has lost eight stone, to run the London Marathon.

Mum-of-three Natalie Butler, 32 put on weight and battled with depression, following the birth of her first daughter. After giving birth to her third daughter, she decided to lose weight. In over a year, she went from weighing 18 stone to under ten stone and will now be taking on the challenge in aid of national disability charity, Sense.

Natalie said: “I weighed 18stone and not in my wildest dreams did I ever think I’d run a marathon. I am really looking forward to running my first marathon for Sense. The work the charity does to support people with complex disabilities, is fantastic.”

Richard Kramer, the charity's chief executive, said: “We’re delighted and grateful that Natalie has chosen to support Sense by taking on the incredible challenge of running the London Marathon.

“It’s thanks to people like Natalie that Sense is able to support people with complex disabilities, including those who are deafblind, to communicate and experience the world.

“We wish Natalie the very best of luck on the day and look forward to cheering her on at the London Marathon.”

Natalie hopes to complete the marathon in just over four hours and has raised over £1,300, through fétes, table top sales and selling raffle tickets.

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/natalie-butler11 to sponsor Natalie.